OUT OF MAYFAIR | RESTAURANT REVIEW: CHUCS CAFE KENSINGTON
Disclaimer: We were invited for a press stay in exchange for an honest review.
We recently had lunch on the wraparound terrace at Chucs Cafe Kensington on a glorious spring afternoon. On a busy day in town, I breathe a sigh of relief at the mere sight of Chucs logo. Alongside the full service cafe menu, there are takeaway options for the busy folk - paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee. Brunch options, served until 11:30am during the week and until 1:30pm at weekends, include Chia Seed Bowl, Chucs Breakfast and Clarence Court Eggs however you like them.
We arrive at Chucs with an enormous box from the nearby Hummingbird Bakery, my daughter is fast asleep in the pram and I’m feeling great. Enjoying the sun for the first time in months, we start with drinks and cicchetti - San Pellegrino, white wine, Nocellara Olives and a bread basket. It’s late March but it feels like summer with the outdoor heater and a kiss of pink floral hedging. The Friday feeling is all around - friend and family groups chatter excitedly over Truffle Arancini and Burrata; a couple are mid ‘cheers’ with margaritas, and two young boys are spotted skipping across the road to Chucs, their mum trailing behind with the school bags, because it’s, quote, their favourite. The staff are friendly, professional, vigilant and quick.
We order Delica Pumpkin Velouté with hazelnuts and sage and Salmon Tartare, Ponzu, Truffle to start, and we’re not disappointed. The autumnal Velouté feels like a comforting hug, warming and wholesome. We never want the tartare to end - a moat of ponzu surrounds a substantial salmon tower, topped with a perfect yellow yolk.
I narrowly avoid the Raw Mediterranean Salad and order The Chucs Vegan Burger and James is lured in by Chicken Milanese - it is Friday, after all. The vegan burger is impressively realistic - I enjoy every bite through the shiny brioche, fresh tomato, crunchy lettuce and meat-like patty dripping with ‘cheese’. The crispy Chicken Milanese is speckled with Pecorino, filling a large portion of the plate alongside half a lemon and a handful of rocket. Gold pots of Fries and a plate of Tenderstem Broccoli wait patiently to be devoured.
Not one to decline dessert, I ordered the much-loved Chucs Tiramisu. Rich, dark cocoa and espresso adorn a thick layer of mascarpone, with an alcohol soaked base - as its name suggests, this is the ultimate pick-me-up and I’m whisked away to Italy with each mouth-watering bite.
Chucs continues to reinforce it’s status as a reliable culinary friend found in all the right places. Whether you’re brunching with friends, out for a working lunch or engrossed in conversation with a romantic date, Chucs will not let you down.
Chucs Cafe Kensington, 97 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, SW7 3LD
Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 23:00 | Tel: +44 (0) 208 037 4525
